At about 1500 Eastern time, the airplane sustained a flight control malfunction. The airline transport pilot was not injured and the airplane was not damaged. Visual conditions prevailed for the post-maintenance test flight following a required inspection. No anomalies were noted during the preflight inspection, engine start, taxi, run-up, and takeoff roll. As the airplane was returning to land and as the pilot reduced power, the nose pitched down. The pilot tried to pull back on the yoke to flare, but the elevator control stuck in the mid-range position. The airplane touched down on the nose gear first and then bounced. The touchdowns jolt seemed to free the elevator control and the pilot completed a normal landing. The airplanes pitch trim cartridge was sent to the manufacturer for further examination.
